Fire-extinguishing apparatus.



C. H. MEIGS.

FIRE EXTINGUFSHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION r1150 JAN. 11-. 1919.

1,296,993. 7 1 Pqtented Mar. 11,1919.

if is an an m mark- L [1 29 91.

$1 14in awe anew cHARLEsH; MEIGS, or PHILADELPHIA,PENNSYLVANIA, AssieNon, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTSfTO FOAMITE FIREFOAM CORPORATION or ELAWARE.

COMPANY, on NEW YORK, N. Y., IA

' FIRE-EXTINGUISHING'APPARATUS.

T0 all/whom it may concern: i

Be it known that 1', CHARLES H. 'MEIGs, a citizen-of :the IlnitedStates, residing at Philadelphia, in-the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and usefulImprovements in-Fire-ExtinguishingApparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in fire extinguishing apparatus, pertaining more particularly to apparatus of the port-- able type, sometimes termed hand extinguls'hers.

, Extinguishers of this type, when employed in the production of an extinguishing medium produced under foam-extinguishing principles, require an acid container or re ceptacle of a considerably greater content than the usual acid receptacle, thus provid ing a problem which differs from the problems of theusual acid' andsoda type of extinguisher, inthat the largely increased size receptacle presents several factors which must beconsidered. For instance, the increased length and increased amount of acid solution provides a weight factor of importance both with respect to thebottom of the extinguisher and in connection With movement of the acid receptacle by shaking or otherwise moving the "extinguisher.

This change in size and the use of an acid solution instead of the usual concentrated form of acid'brings about another difficulty in connection with the use of the ordinary type of extinguisher in the tendency of the acid content tov produce a crystallizing effect on the walls of the receptacle not covered by the solution itself. It has beenfound that where the extinguisher has been shaken to a material extent, thus carrying the solution to the stopper or stopple seatfthedeposits may be crystallizedto such an extent as to tend to bind the-stopple to its seat, thus oftentimes requiring considerable pressure to release the stopple. There the apparatus is designed forrelease of the stopple under gravity conditions, this binding may ma- ;terially affect the operation of the extinguisher.

The present invention is designed more particularly to-meet these problems by em ploying an inner container which is practically clamped in position so as to restrict the movements of the inner'container, and. at

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Mill. 11,1919. Application filed- January 11,- 1918. Serial No; 211,350.

the same time more ;or less eliminate the sticking of the stopple to its seat under the crystallization action, the result being the production of an extinguisher in which the,

inner container is removable bodilyfrom the extinguisher in a simple manner, is practically clamped in position when Within the extinguisher, and which provides assurance of the movements of the stopple automati-.

cally from its seat when the extinguisher is inverted. In addition, the'structure is one whlchpermits of the use of extinguishers of P1101 types withbut small changes to prepare the outer casing or receptacle for the reception of the inner container, thus permitting utilizationof the large number of extinguisher structures heretofore marketed and reducing the cost of installation, as well as providing a construction which is simple 7 and eflicient in operation, durable in construction, and which can beproduced as a complete structureat a comparatlvely low cost.

nature of which will be readily understood as the invention is hereinafter disclosed, said invention c'onsistsin the improved construction and combination of parts hereinafter To these and other ends, j therefore, the.

fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and 'more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying dravvings,-in which similar reference characters indicate similar parts in each of-the views:

- Figure l-is a sectional view taken vertically'through a preferred form of my apparatus.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view partly in section andpartly in elevation of the upper end structure of the apparatus, the line of section being shifted fromthat shown in Fig. 1. 1

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the apparatus with'the cap removed.

Fig. 4.13 a detail of the receptacle-supporting element.

Since operations under the foam-extinguishingprocess generally have the amount of acid solution more closely approximating that of the soda solution than in the ordinary type of operations, the container for thevacid solution is of materially increased capacity, a preferred arrangement having length sufiicient to reach to the bottom of the outer receptacle, the inner receptacle or container being of a size to permit of ready insertion and removal through the usual mouth or neck of the outer casing or receptacle, thus providing a capacity sufficient to produce the desired relative proportions of soda and acid solutions, it being understood that the acid solution is placed within the inner container.

This length of container, when the latter is provided with its charge, is more or less weighty and therefore there is a liability to shift the inner receptacle or container during movements of the extinguisher, as when being carried about. This shifting may tend to damage the bottom of the extinguisher, especially where the container is supported by the bottom. In this latter case, there is also liability of damage by reason of the weight, where the extinguisher forms a part of the equipment of a fire department and is carried by a hose carriage, in which case the jars, etc., incident to the travel of the carriage, may provide for a damaging action on the extinguisher bottom.

To avoid these difliculties it is desirable not only that the opposite ends of the container be supported in such manner as to limit lateral shifting movements to the minimum, but, in addition, an additional safeguard is had by providing the support for the container at the normally upper end of the extinguisher, thus causing the container to have a more or less suspended effect, although it is preferred that the lower end of the container be so supported as to prevent this shifting action.

The present invention is designed to provide this action, and in the drawings I have shown one way in whichthese results can be obtained, 10 designating the casing, 11 the bottom, 12 the top or neck to which the cap 13 is threaded, and 14 the discharge element for the extinguishing medium, these parts being of the general type heretofore employed, with the possible except-ion of the particular configuration of the bottom 11, the latter preferably being varied somewhat from the similar part of the usual soda and acid extinguisher structure. This change in the bottom practically provides for the formation of a central depression 11 in the bottom, within which the lower end of the inner container extends, a loose fit being provided to permit of the ready insertion and removal of the container and yet substantially maintain the lower end of the latter against shifting action.

The inner removable receptacle or container is indicated at 15, the receptacle having a gravity closure or stopple 16 at its open end. 17 indicates a cage structure for the stopple, this structure being formed by a plurality of vertically extending straps l7four being shown in the drawingssecured to the receptacle at equal distances, and projecting above the top of the receptacle. The straps are preferably. formed with ribs 17", although these are not absolutely essential, these ribs projecting outwardly or inwardly as may be found desirable.- As shown, the straps are shaped to provide an increased space above the top of the receptacle to permit of ready shifting of the stopple away from its seat. The upper ends of straps 17 are secured to a ring or annulus 18, as by rivets 18*. It is to be understood, of course, that the cage structure thus provided has over-all dimensions such as will permit of its passage into the filling opening or mouth of the extinguisher.

19 designates a supporting member or seat which is secured, by suitable means, to the interior of'neck 12. Member 19, as shown more particularly in Fig. 4, is in the form of an annular ring having inturned segmental flanges 19, these flanges being spaced apart to provide openings through which straps 17 extend, flanges 19 forming a seat for the intermediate portions of annulus 18. The diameter of receptacle or container 15 is such as to freely pass the flanges 19 and the strap formation is such that where, during insertion of the container, the straps do not coincide with the recesses formed in the seat flange of member 19, the container will not pass to its seat by reason of contact of the offset portions 17 of the straps with the segments 19, thus leaving the cage exposed as an indication of improper seating. The receptacle can then be readily turned until the straps aline with the recesses of member 19, permitting the container to pass to its seated position, the straps preventing shifting of the container on its axis, While the support for annulus 18 provided by flanges 19 will support the container at its upper end, so

that even should the lower end be in con tact with the bottom, there is practically no liability of the latter being damaged owing to the fact that the particular mounting is such as to produce a more or less suspension effect to the container. 7

As heretofore pointed out, there is, in practice, an inherent action which tends to affect the automatic action of the stopple or closure which is desired when the extinguisher is turned end for end in use. This action is a more or less crystallization of the metallic salts contained in the acid solution, shaking of the container, etc., causing the solution to pass into contact with the stopple 'and bringing about a condition which will tendency to increase this crystallization action, there being possibly a more or less capillary "action present which causes the deposits to build up, thus uniting the :stoppIe andthe upper end ot the container by this crystallization deposit. Since "itlie stopple is of the gravity type' and is shiftable under-shaking 1 action, it=- will be readily understood that this" crystallization effect can take place even between the upper edge of the container and the bottom of the groove Within which the latter se'ats, thus increasing the -crystallization area and rendering it "more difficult {to unseat the stopple when it is desired "to use the extinguisher. :Even though -this crystallization-action maynbtbe provided at all points 7 of 1 the stopple,*lthe etfect is i more-orless objectionable by reason ofit'heftact thaw under such conditions, there is a tendency 'for'tthe 'stoppleto .cant in attempting to leave its *seat, thus affecting =:the desired action through inabilityto provide forcomp lete discharge ofthe contents' ofthe container in eliminated by "the particular manner of forming the mouth of" the container, 1 in connection with the particular form of stopple employed. This :isprovided :by securing an annulus 25. internal of iithe open I end =or mouth" of: container "15 this annulus being so .formed: as to provide "a' shoulder 25* at the loWer end of the annulus. This shou'lder isshown :as extendingat' right angles to T the axis 1 of "the annulus, ibut it will be understood "that if desired, 'this may be varied. As shown, annulus 25 projects above the upper end of'container :1 5,"'the1projecting portion "having Y its liouter' periphery tapered inwardly toward'the top of the annulus,

7 thus causing the upper edge of the annulus to "bemore =or.:less oflthe character of a knife edge, thereby providing an exce'edingly narrow areaof contact "between the annulus and the bottom ofi the groove ofthe 'stopple, the knife "edge forming a stopple seat extending on a "plane substantially transverse 'to the axis of the 1 receptacle.

The bottom of groove 16 v ofstoppleI16, is

of materially greater Width-than =the 'edge of annulus 25,:andithe sides of the groove are flared outwardly :iso :as to provide for easy positioning action of the stopple :on such edge.

As Will be understood, the presence of shoulder 25 i-n'the path? ofthe contents dur ting rsplashing raction,-=tends to decrease the =liaibility'of the salts reachingthe knife edge, and,,;mor.e particularly, lto decrease capillary action t-in building :might be formed. point of contactlbetvveen stopple and container is :provided w along the knife-like edge of the container, so r-thatithereiis a minimum up .any 'deposits which In addition, the only surface contact which can provide the unitingaction. And since the stopple lgroove aandiknife edge are soar-ranged as toprovide for-a looselfit,therebetween, it will bereadily understood that ar' shaking action which W-ould tend to bring the contents to i such 1 point, would also tend to shift the lsto'pple [on its seat and thus break down :any uniting waction which had taken place preuiously.

' By the uselof means for materially limiting if not entirely eliminatingthe'efl'ects stuck by reason of 1 the crystallization -ac- 'tion. And since no special actionofthis -.kind= is necessary, it is possible to practically maintain 'the container in its proper posi- 1 tion by the use of a gasket 13 interposed'betvveen the cap 13"and the upper end of'the= cage, thus :practically clamping Y the P structure in position to decrease the possibility of-shifting of the container relative to'the "casing.

111 smaller sizes, this particular manner of supporting the upper end of-the container and the clamped condition may "provide :--sutficient resistance r to shifting action as to permit dispensing ofthe use of depression "11, the container practically reachin in position by "reason of the supportat the upper end and the/clamping action provided. 'Aswilljbe undestooththe supportat theupper end enables the Weight effect-tolee-placed upon a strongerand more substantial' portion of the container than upon the normal bottom which is generally of copper and more or less easily damaged. i

It WiIPtherforebe understood that While I prefer-to employ-the depression ll or its operative I equivalent, this is not absolutely essential and "I may omitit without departing from the spirit of the invention.

While I have herein shown preferred ways'iirwhich the invention may"becarried into eifect, it Will be readily understood that changes and modifications therein may be found desirable or essential in meeting the various exigencies of use, and I desire tobe understood as reserving the right to -make any and all such changes or modifications as may be found *necessary or desirable, in so far as the same may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims when broadly construed. I

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new is: y

1. In portable fire extinguishers adapted for'lthe production and discharge, of foamextinguishing compounds, the combination with a casing 'having'a neck and a bottom, a dischargingelement for the extinguishing medium, and a cap,- ofia Lremovable reto" .the ordinary bottom and being maintamed cage for the closure, said cage including a plurality of straps, and a seat for the cage carried by the casing neck, said seat acting tosupport the receptacle in position and cooperating with the straps to prevent rotative movement of the receptacle on its axis, said closure being normally free to vshift topermit discharge of receptacle contents.

2. In portable fire extinguishers adapted for the production and'discharge of foamextinguishing compounds, the combination with a casing having a neck and a bottom, a discharging element for the extinguishing medium, and a cap, of a removable receptacle therein having a closure and a cage for the closure, said cage including a plurality of straps and an annulus'connecting the outer ends ofthe straps, and a seat for the cage carried by the casing neck, said cap and seat cooperating to clamp the said annulus to support the receptacle in position, said seat and straps cooperating to prevent rotative movement of the re ceptacle on its axis, said closure being normally'free to shift to permit discharge of receptacle contents.

3. In fire extingulshers, a casing having a bottom, a removable receptacle therein,

said casing and receptacle having openings at corresponding ends, a member carried;

by the casing within'its opening, said member being provided with spaced recesses, a

vcage structure carried by the receptacle and projecting beyond its opening and adapted to cofiperate with the recesses in said member to prevent rotation of the receptacle, and a gravity closure freely movable within the cage.

4. In fire extinguishers, a. casing, a removable receptacle therein, said casing and receptacle having openings. at corresponding ends, a seat carried by the casing within its opening, a cage structure carried by the receptacle beyond its opening and including a plurality of straps and an an-' nulus connecting the outer ends of the straps, said cage and seat-being complementally formed to removably support the receptacle on the seat and to cause seat and strap cooperation to prevent rotative movements of the receptacle on its axis, and a gravity closure freely movablewithin the cage. 7

5. In fire extinguishers, a casing, a removable receptacle therein, said casing and receptacle having openings at corresponding ends, a seat carried by the casingcwithin its openings, said seat having spacedv segmental flanges extending inwardly, a cage structure carried'by the, receptacle beyond its opening, said cage structure including a plurality of straps and an annulus connecting the outer ends of the straps,-said straps being positioned to be received Within and substantially filling the spaces between the segmental'fianges of the seat, I said annulus and the flanges vcooperating to support the receptacle inposition, and a gravity closure freely movable Within the cage. 1 I

6.'In fire extinguishers, acasing, a receptacle therein, said'casing and receptacle having openings at corresponding ends, a cage structure carried by said receptacle and pro; j ecting beyond its opening, said structure including straps and an annulus connecting the free ends of the straps, said straps having shoulders, a gravity closure freely fnovable in the cage, anda receptacle-supporting mem'ber carried by the casing Within its opening, said member having spaced inwardly-extending segmental flanges, said flanges forming seats for saidstrap shoulders When the straps are out of alinement with the spaces-between flanges and a seat for the annulus when ,the straps and spaces are alined.

' 7. In fire extinguishers having an inner open ended receptacle for the acid solution and a closure for the receptacle, means carried by the receptacle for restricting the ef-.

fects of crystallizationaction of the contained solution on the movement of the closure, said meansincluding aclosu're seat-extending on a plane transverse to the axis of the receptacle, and 'anannular shoulder internal of the receptacle and spaced from said seat.

8. In fire extinguishers having an inner receptacle for the acid solution, said receptacle havinga mouth, of an annular member carried interiorly of the receptaclev at its mouth and adapted to form a shoulder therein,. said -meinber projectingcbeyond the mouth with the projecting portion formed to produce an annular seat for a closure, said seat being of limited contact area,

whereby the efiects of crystallization action of receptacle contents on the movement of the closure is restricted." I

9. In fire extinguishers; having an inner receptacle for the acid solution, said receptacle having a mouth, of an annular member carried interiorly of the receptacle at its mouth and adapted to fOIIII' a shoulder therein, said member projecting beyond the mouth with the'projecting portion formed to produce an annular knife-like seat forthe closure, whereby the eflects of crystallization action of receptacle contentson the movement of the closure is-restricted.

' 10. In fire extinguishers having an inner receptacle for the acid solution, said receptacle having a mouth, of an annular member carried interiorly of the receptacle at its ln outh and adapted to form a shoulder therein, said member projecting beyond the -mouth and forming a seat for a closure, and

a closure for the receptacle, said closure having an annular groove to receive the seat face, said groove having a bottom of greater width than the width of the seat face, whereby the effects of crystallization action of receptacle contents on the movement of the closure is restricted.

11. In fire extinguishers having an inner receptacle for the acid solution, said receptacle having a mouth, of an annular member carried interiorly of the receptacle at its mouth and adapted to form a shoulder therein, said member projecting beyond the mouth and forming a seat for a closure, and a gravity closure having an annular groove to receive the seat face, said groove having a bottom of greater width than the width of the seat face with the sides of the groove flared outwardly, whereby the efiects of crystallization action of receptacle contents on the movement of the closure is restricted.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES H. MEIGS.

Witnesses:

F. A. EPPS, F. D. OGDEN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 

